Ampicillin Description

Generic Name: AMPICILLIN

Pronunciation: (am pi sill in)

Trade Name(s): Albercilin, Ampijet, Ampilin, Ampipen, Amp-KID, Aristocillin, Bacipin, Biocilin, Broacil, Broadicilin,

When it is to be taken: Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. Doses should be taken as far apart as possible throughout the day. For example, if your doctor tells you to take ampicillin four times a day, take a dose every six hours. However, if it is not possible to take the drug around the clock, take it at evenly spaced intervals between the time you wake up in the morning and the time you go to bed at night (e.g., at 7 a.m., noon, 5 p.m., and 10 p.m.).

How it should be taken: 1. Ampicillin comes in the form of capsules, liquid, and pediatric drops.
2. Your doctor has chosen the best form that fits you.
3. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.
4. Ampicillin should be taken on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hour after meals.
5. Capsules should be taken with a full glass of water.
6. The liquid and pediatric drops should be shaken well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
7. Use the bottle dropper to measure the dose of pediatric drops. You may obtain a specially marked measuring spoon from your pharmacist to be sure of an accurate dose of the liquid.

Special Instruction: 1. Take all of the medication prescribed, even after the infection appears to have gone away. Failure to do so could allow the infection to return.
2. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as your remember it. Take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals.

Side Effects: 1. Shortness of breath, wheezing and itching are so common. Call your doctor or go to a hospital immediately. You may need emergency treatment.
2. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and rashes are rare. Contact your doctor if this problem is severe or lasts for more than two days.

Other Precautions: 1. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding because ampicillin can pass from mother to her baby in the milk.
2. If you are allergic to penicillin or have asthma, hay fever, allergies, or kidney disease, tell your doctor before you take this medication. Consult your doctor before using any other medication while taking ampicillin.
3. Ampicillin may decrease the effectiveness of some birth-control pills. so ask your doctor if you should use another form of birth control.
4. If you have used all of the medication prescribed but still have symptoms of the infection, contact your doctor.
5. If your doctor tells you to stop taking ampicillin, throw away the unused medication.
6. Ampicillin may lose its effectiveness over time and should not be saved to treat another infection.

Storage Conditions: 1. Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children.
2. Store the liquid and drops in the refrigerator but not in the freezer.
3. The container of liquid or drops will have an expiry date on it. Do not take the medication after the expiry date. Throw it away and, if you need more ampicillin get a new supply.
4. Contact your pharmacist if you are not sure of the expiration date.